Trees help tackle climate changehttp://www.eea.europa.eu/articles/forests-health-and-climate-change/key-facts/trees-help-tackle-climate-change
Over one year a mature tree will take up about 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and in exchange release oxygen. Each year, 1.3 million trees are estimated to remove more than 2500 tonnes of pollutants from the air.No publishercarbon dioxidetrees2012/01/06 15:38:45 GMT+1SOER 2010 Key fact (Deprecated)Success stories within the road transport sector on reducing greenhouse gas emission and producing ancillary benefitshttp://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/technical_report_2008_2
No publisherCO2greenhouse gas emissionsroad transportroad freightcarbon dioxideemissions from transporttransportspeed limitsteleconferencescongestion chargesenvironmental zonesecodriving2008/03/19 00:00:00 GMT+1PublicationRevealing the costs of air pollution from industrial facilities in Europehttp://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/cost-of-air-pollution
This European Environment Agency (EEA) report assesses the damage costs to health and the environment resulting from pollutants emitted from industrial facilities. It is based on the latest information, namely for 2009, publicly available through the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR, 2011) in line with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Aarhus Convention regarding access to environmental information.No publishercarbon dioxidemetal productionCAFEammoniaenergy productionparticulate matterhealthair pollution from energySO2NH3E-PRTRsulphur dioxideCO2PM10air pollutionNOXorganic micro-pollutantsnitrogen oxidespower plantsindustrial facilitiesheavy metals2011/11/23 16:19:38 GMT+1PublicationReduction of CO2 emissions from new vans slowed in 2015http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/reduction-of-co2-emissions-from
The fuel efficiency of new vans registered in the European Union (EU) increased slightly in 2015 compared to the previous year. Average emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) fell by less than 1 gramme (g) of CO2 per kilometre, according to preliminary data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). This is the smallest annual reduction since monitoring of emissions from new light commercial vehicles started in 2012.The average van registered in 2015 emitted 168.2 g CO2/km which is 0.9 g less than in 2014. While the reported annual reduction is small, emissions are nevertheless well below the EU’s 2017 target of 175 g CO2/km. This target was already met in 2013. Further efficiency improvements still need to be achieved to reach the EU’s more stringent target of 147 g CO2/km set for 2020.

Key findings:

In 2015, 1.5 million new vans were registered in the EU, an increase of 2 % compared to the previous year. More new vans were sold in most Member States. However, three Member States reported lower sales: Poland (-24 %), Spain (-16 %) and France (-12 %).

Three out of five new vans (i.e. 60 %) registered in the EU were sold in just three Member States: the United Kingdom (24 %), France (21 %) and Germany (15%).

The average fuel-efficiency of new vans varied widely across Member States due to the different models and sizes of vehicles sold in each country. Average emissions were lowest in Portugal (141.7 g CO2/km), Cyprus (143.2 g CO2/km) and Bulgaria (143.9 g CO2/km) and highest in Slovakia (186.6 g CO2/km), Germany (186.4 g CO2/km) and the Czech Republic (182.6 g CO2/km).

The average weight of vans sold also varied across countries. Smaller vehicles were sold in Malta, Bulgaria and Portugal (< 1 585 kg); larger vehicles (>1 940 kg) in Poland, Finland and Slovakia.

Only 10 250 electric and plug-in hybrid vans were sold in 2015, representing 0.7 % of the total EU van sales. This is lower than the 184 000 electric and plug-in hybrid passenger cars sold the same year, a share of 1.3% of total car sales.

Diesel vehicles continue to make up the vast majority of the new van fleet, constituting 97 % of sales.

It has not yet been confirmed whether different manufacturers have met their own specific annual targets, based on the average weight of the light commercial vehicles they sell. Part of the reason for the small annual reduction observed in 2015 was due to regulatory changes in France. Companies can no longer register company cars as light commercial vehicles as a result of which the share of lower emitting vehicles in the total number of newly registered vans in France has decreased. The EEA will publish the final data on manufacturers’ individual performances as well as additional assessment of the data in the autumn. Manufacturers now have three months to verify the preliminary data and notify errors to the European Commission.

Member States report new vehicles’ CO2 emission levels, measured under standardised laboratory conditions, following the requirements of the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure. This procedure is designed to allow a comparison of emissions for different manufacturers. However, there is now wide recognition that the NEDC test procedure, dating from the 1970s, is out-dated and does not necessarily represent real-world driving conditions and emissions due inter alia to a number of flexibilities that allow vehicle manufacturers to optimise the conditions under which their vehicles are tested.

Recognising these shortcomings, in January 2016 the European Commission proposed a number of changes to the current vehicle type-approval framework. A new procedure known as the ‘Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure’ (WLTP) will be introduced in the future so that laboratory results better represent actual vehicle performance on the road. However, the date of its introduction remains to be decided.

]]>No publishervansclimate change mitigationcarbon dioxideco2 emissionslight commercial vehiclesfuel efficiency2016/05/17 14:00:00 GMT+1NewsRecession and renewables cut greenhouse emissions in 2009http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/recession-and-renewables-cut-greenhouse
Greenhouse gas emissions decreased very sharply in 2009, by 7.1 % in the EU-27 and 6.9 % in the EU-15. These most recent results, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), confirm estimates made by the EEA last year. This decrease was largely the result of the economic recession of 2009, but also sustained strong growth in renewable energy.Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, said: "Although much of the decrease in greenhouse gases is due to the recession, we are starting to see the results of many EU and Member States’ proactive policies in renewable energy. We hope that policy makers continue to build on this success to cut emissions further."

The 2009 recession affected all economic sectors in the EU, leading to a decrease in energy demand. Consumption of fossil fuels fell compared to the previous year, mainly for coal, which in turn led to even steeper emission reductions. In relative terms, the largest emission reductions occurred in manufacturing industries and construction, and in public electricity and heat supply. Despite the relatively cold winter of 2009, emissions also fell in the residential sector.

Alongside falling energy demand linked to the economic recession, there was a strong growth in renewable energy deployment, particularly biomass, wind and solar, leading to a significant increase in the share of renewables in final energy in the EU. Primary energy consumption of renewables increased by 5.8% in the EU-27, according to Eurostat energy balances for 2009.

Key findings for 2009

The economic recession and the increase of renewable energy in final energy consumption were the main factors behind the fall in emissions in 2009.

In the EU-27, total GHG emissions decreased by 17.4 % in the EU-27 between 1990 and 2009 (974 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO2-e). In line with EEA estimates made last year, emissions decreased by 7.1 % (-355 million tonnes CO2-e) between 2008 and 2009.

In 2009, total GHG emissions in the EU-15[1]were 12.7 % (542 million tonnes CO2-e) below the base year level. Emissions decreased by 6.9 % (274 million tonnes CO2-e between 2008 and 2009.

Emissions of GHGs from international aviation and shipping decreased by 8.6 % in the EU-27 between 2008 and 2009. These two sectors currently represent 6.3 % of total GHG emissions.

MEMBER STATE

1990

Kyoto Protocol
base year (a)

2009

2008–2009

Change 2008–2009

Change 1990–2009

Change base year–2009

Targets 2008–12 under Kyoto Protocol and "EU
burden sharing"

(million tonnes)

(million tonnes)

(million tonnes)

(million tonnes)

(%)

(%)

(%)

(%)

Austria

78.2

79.0

80.1

-6.9

-7.9%

2.4%

1.3%

-13.0%

Belgium

143.3

145.7

124.4

-10.7

-7.9%

-13.2%

-14.6%

-7.5%

Denmark

68.0

69.3

61.0

-2.7

-4.2%

-10.3%

-12.0%

-21.0%

Finland

70.4

71.0

66.3

-4.1

-5.8%

-5.7%

-6.6%

0.0%

France

562.9

563.9

517.2

-21.9

-4.1%

-8.1%

-8.3%

0.0%

Germany

1247.9

1232.4

919.7

-61.4

-6.3%

-26.3%

-25.4%

-21.0%

Greece

104.4

107.0

122.5

-6.0

-4.7%

17.4%

14.5%

25.0%

Ireland

54.8

55.6

62.4

-5.4

-8.0%

13.8%

12.2%

13.0%

Italy

519.2

516.9

491.1

-50.6

-9.3%

-5.4%

-5.0%

-6.5%

Luxembourg

12.8

13.2

11.7

-0.6

-4.7%

-8.9%

-11.3%

-28.0%

Netherlands

211.9

213.0

198.9

-5.7

-2.8%

-6.1%

-6.6%

-6.0%

Portugal

59.4

60.1

74.6

-3.4

-4.3%

25.5%

24.0%

27.0%

Spain

283.2

289.8

367.5

-37.2

-9.2%

29.8%

26.8%

15.0%

Sweden

72.5

72.2

60.0

-3.6

-5.6%

-17.2%

-16.9%

4.0%

United
Kingdom

776.1

776.3

566.2

-54.0

-8.7%

-27.0%

-27.1%

-12.5%

EU-15

4264.9

4265.5

3723.7

-274.3

-6.9%

-12.7%

-12.7%

-8.0%

Bulgaria

111.4

132.6

59.5

-9.5

-13.8%

-46.6%

-55.1%

-8.0%

Cyprus

5.3

NA

9.4

-0.8

-7.7%

78.3%

NA

NA

Czech
Republic

195.5

194.2

132.9

-8.2

-5.8%

-32.0%

-31.6%

-8.0%

Estonia

41.1

42.6

16.8

-3.2

-16.1%

-59.0%

-60.5%

-8.0%

Hungary

96.8

115.4

66.7

-6.4

-8.7%

-31.1%

-42.2%

-6.0%

Latvia

26.6

25.9

10.7

-1.2

-10.0%

-59.7%

-58.6%

-8.0%

Lithuania

49.6

49.4

21.6

-2.4

-10.1%

-56.4%

-56.3%

-8.0%

Malta

2.1

NA

2.9

-0.1

-4.7%

38.8%

NA

NA

Poland

452.9

563.4

376.7

-19.1

-4.8%

-16.8%

-33.2%

-6.0%

Romania

250.1

278.2

130.8

-22.6

-14.7%

-47.7%

-53.0%

-8.0%

Slovakia

74.1

72.1

43.4

-4.8

-9.9%

-41.4%

-39.8%

-8.0%

Slovenia

18.5

20.4

19.3

-1.9

-9.1%

4.7%

-5.0%

-8.0%

EU-27

5588.8

NA

4614.5

-354.5

-7.1%

-17.4%

NA

NA

(a) Cyprus,
Malta and EU-27 do not have targets under the Kyoto Protocol and therefore do
not have applicable Kyoto Protocol base years

Early indications of 2010 figures

The most recent data available for the EU GHG inventory is for 2009. Verified 2010 emissions from the EU-ETS point to a 3% emissions increase over the course of the year, which is still far below pre-recession levels. The EU ETS covers more than 12,000 power plants and manufacturing installations, or approximately half of all emissions. This rebound in emissions partly reflects the economic recovery.

About the report

The Greenhouse Gas Inventory is an annual report compiled by the EEA covering emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases from 1990 to two years before the current year. It is the official submission of the EU to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In autumn the EEA will publish early estimates for the 2010 emissions in the EU, and also a Trends and Projections report, looking ahead to assess progress against emissions targets.

Links

[1] The 15 Member States constituting the EU when the Kyoto Protocol was ratified. They have committed to reducing their collective emissions in the 2008-12 period to 8% below the level in their chosen base year. In most cases the base year is 1990.

]]>No publisherUNFCCCCO2greenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxidegreenhouse gasesrecessionCO2 emissionsemissionsnitrous oxidefluorinated gasesgreenhouse gas inventoryemission reductionmethane2011/05/30 14:38:46 GMT+1Press ReleasePolicies put the EU on track to meet its 2020 climate and energy targets but bigger push needed for 2030 http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/policies-put-the-eu-on
European Union (EU) greenhouse gas emissions fell almost 2 % between 2012 and 2013, putting the EU very close to its 2020 reduction target, according to new analysis from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The EU is also on track to meet two other targets to boost renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2020.According to EEA analysis of Member States' own projections, the EU is likely to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 21 % of 1990 levels by 2020, surpassing its 20 % target. With 14 % of final energy consumption generated by renewable sources in 2012, the EU is also ahead of the planned trajectory to hit 20 % renewable energy by 2020. Likewise, the EU's energy consumption is also falling faster than would be necessary to meet the 2020 energy efficiency target.

"Our analysis shows that Europe is on track towards its 2020 targets," Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said. "Even against the backdrop of economic recession in recent years, we can see that policies and measures are working and have played a key role in reaching this interim result. But there is no room for complacency. The analyses we are publishing today also highlight countries and sectors where progress has been slower than planned."

The picture at Member State level is more mixed compared to that at EU level. Nine countries were making good progress in pursuing the three linked policy objectives - greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency - while no Member State was underperforming in all areas.

However, three Member States are at risk of missing their individual targets for 2013 under the Effort Sharing Decision and projected greenhouse gas emissions for six Member States indicate that they will not achieve their 2020 targets through domestic policies and measures. Furthermore, projections from Member States show little or no emissions cuts in the transport and agriculture sectors.

Beyond 2020

Last week, European heads of state and government agreed new headline targets for 2030, reducing greenhouse gases emissions by at least 40 % from 1990 levels, increasing renewable energy to make up at least 27 % of final energy consumption and a minimum 27 % reduction in energy consumption compared to business-as-usual.

The current projections for 2030 indicate that further efforts are required at national and EU level to keep the EU on track towards its new 2030 targets, as well as its longer term objectives to decarbonise the European energy system and cut EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 95 % by 2050.

]]>No publisherco2greenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxideglobal warmingmitigationkyoto protocolclimate change2014/10/24 15:29:16 GMT+1Press ReleaseOcean acidificationhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/ocean-acidification/assessment-1
Surface-ocean pH has declined from 8.2 to below 8.1 over the industrial era due to the growth of atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. This decline corresponds to an increase in oceanic acidity of 26%.
Observed reductions in surface-water pH are nearly identical across the global ocean and throughout Europe’s seas.
Ocean acidification in recent decades is occurring a hundred times faster than during past natural events over the last 55 million years.
Ocean acidification already reaches into the deep ocean, particularly in the high latitudes.
Models consistently project further ocean acidification worldwide. Surface ocean pH is projected to decrease to values between 8.05 and 7.75 by the end of 21 st century depending on future CO 2 emission levels. The largest projected decline represents more than a doubling in acidity.
Ocean acidification may affect many marine organisms within the next 20 years and could alter marine ecosystems and fisheries.
No publisherclimate changeoceansocean acidificationcarbon dioxidephacidification2014/06/19 16:40:56 GMT+1Indicator AssessmentOcean acidificationhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/ocean-acidification/assessment
Surface-ocean pH has declined from 8.2 to 8.1 over the industrial era due to the growth of atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. This decline corresponds to a 30 % change in oceanic acidity.
Observed reductions in surface-water pH are nearly identical across the global ocean and throughout Europe’s seas.
Ocean acidification in recent decades is occurring a hundred times faster than during past natural events over the last 55 million years.
Ocean acidification already reaches into the deep ocean, particularly in the high latitudes.
Average surface-water pH is projected to decline further to 7.7 or 7.8 by the year 2100, depending on future CO 2 emissions. This decline represents a 100 to 150 % increase in acidity.
Ocean acidification may affect many marine organisms within the next 20 years and could alter marine ecosystems and fisheries.
No publishercarbon dioxidephoceansocean acidification2012/11/20 15:32:15 GMT+1Indicator AssessmentNew vans more fuel efficienthttp://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/new-vans-become-more-efficient
The average van sold in 2013 was around 4 % more efficient than the previous year, so the new vans fleet has already met the collective carbon emissions target ahead of the 2017 deadline, preliminary data shows. Similar findings were recently published for new cars, which have also met their target in advance.There were 1.2 million new vans registered in 2013, with average emissions of 173.3 g of CO2 per kilometre. This means emissions were below the 175g target four years ahead of the 2017 deadline. Manufacturers should now verify the data to check whether they are correct.

The data is published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), which started monitoring the emissions of light commercial vehicles last year.

Emissions levels are very different across Europe – they were lowest among new vans sold in Malta, Portugal and France, while new vehicles in Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic had emissions approximately a third higher.

Background

Member States report CO2 emission levels from the certification test procedure. These levels are measured under laboratory conditions using the new European Driving Cycle specified in EU type approval legislation. This should make the measurements comparable, but not necessarily representative of real-world conditions.

About this database

There are several uncertainties in the data. The vans data is more complex than that of passenger cars, due to the relatively high number of vehicles type-approved in multiple stages - for example camper vans, where different parts are built by different manufacturers. In the case of multi-stage vans, the base vehicle manufacturer is responsible for the CO2 emissions of the final vehicle under EU law.

Moreover, as the database is relatively new, the current monitoring system cannot adequately capture these vehicles, which means that the data is not yet fully representative of the new vans targeted by the legislation. From next year onwards, a new data collection method will apply which is expected to improve data quality. The EEA will publish final data on new vans' CO2 emissions in the autumn.

]]>No publishercarbon dioxidevansgreenhouse gas emissionscarsghg emission targets2014/05/21 11:00:00 GMT+1NewsNew cars sold in 2011 were 3.3 % more fuel efficient than those sold in 2010http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/new-cars-sold-in-2011
Europeans are buying cars that are more efficient. Average carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre continue to fall in Europe, according to preliminary figures released today. The 2011 data from the European Environment Agency (EEA) also show that car manufacturers are mostly on track to meeting European Union (EU) targets.There were 12.8 million new vehicles registered in the EU in 2011. The average CO2 emissions for these cars was 135.7 grams CO2 per kilometre, which is 4.6g CO2/km less than in 2010 – a reduction of 3.3 %. A combination of changes in buying behaviour, improved technology and engine efficiency was mostly responsible for this reduction, according to EEA analysis.

In addition, the long-term reduction of emissions has been influenced by an increasing uptake of diesel cars, an ongoing trend which continued in 2011. The gap between average CO2 emissions of new diesel and petrol vehicles has been narrowing in recent years – in 2011 it was just 3.2g CO2/km. In 2011, 55.2 % of the vehicles registered in 2011 in Europe were diesel vehicles, an increase from 51.3% in 2010.

Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA said: “We can see new cars becoming more efficient year-on-year – a good example of regulation helping industry to make real improvements. It is also encouraging to see sales of electric cars starting to climb.”

In the EU, CO2 emissions from road transport have increased by 23 % between 1990 and 2010, becoming responsible for approximately one fifth of the EU's total emissions. In order to cut greenhouse gas emissions from transport, carmakers have a collective target for the average car sold in the EU to emit a maximum of 130g CO2/km by 2015 and 95g CO2/km by 2020. Last year the EEA reported that manufacturers had some distance to go to meet the 2015 target. However, on present trends, the industry as a whole is on track to meeting the 2015CO2 target.

The preliminary figures will now be verified by car manufacturers before they are confirmed by the European Commission later this year.

Other findings

Registration of new cars in the EU increased constantly between 2001 and 2007, peaking at 15.5 million cars, but has fallen continuously since. Between 2010 and 2011 the number of new car registrations increased in many Member States, notably Latvia (71%), Lithuania (68%) and Estonia (66%) , but fell in others, including Greece (-31 %), Portugal (-31%) and Spain (-17 %).

The mass of new cars increased slightly in 2011 and is now back to the level seen in 2007 before the economic crisis. Nonetheless, engine capacity, measured in cm3, has decreased by 5 % compared to 2007.

Registrations of vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas fell by 76% between 2010 and 2011. This was mostly due to a sharp decline in uptake in France and Italy, countries where this fuel is most commonly used.

There were 8,700 pure electric cars registered in 2011. While this number is only 0.07 % of new cars registered, so did not significantly influence the EU average emissions, it is a 10-fold increase on 2010.

Portugal, Malta and Denmark had registered the most carbon-efficient cars on average, with emissions of 125g CO2/km or less. At the less efficient end of the spectrum, new cars registered in Estonia, Latvia and Bulgaria had more than 150g CO2/km on average.

Figure: Evolution of CO2 emissions from new passenger cars by fuel (EU‑27 *)

About this data

For the second year, EEA has collected Member States’ data on passenger cars registrations, in accordance with the Regulation 443/2009, and collated them in a database which covers all passenger vehicles registered in Europe in 2011.

Data collected includes information on CO2 emissions and mass of the vehicles, reported by all Member States in order to evaluate the performance of the new vehicle fleet towards the CO2 emission target (130g CO2/km by 2015).

According to Article 8 of the Regulation 443/2009, Member States must submit information to the European Commission for each new passenger car registered on their territory. There were some late submissions this year, although the EEA has noted improvements in the data submitted for some Member States.

]]>No publisherclimate changecarbon dioxideroad transporttransport emissionscars2012/06/20 10:45:00 GMT+1NewsMost carmakers must further improve carbon efficiency by 2015http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/most-carmakers-must-further-improve
Several carmakers need to make their fleets even more carbon-efficient in order to meet 2012 carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions target, according to updated data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The data also show that almost all manufacturers must reduce emissions to meet 2015 targets under European legislation for new passenger cars, based on average CO2 emissions for each manufacturer. Road transport is responsible for 17.5 % of overall greenhouse gas emissions in Europe and its emissions increased by 23 % between 1990 and 2009. To reduce the CO2 emissions of the road transport sector, European legislation has introduced mandatory CO2 emissions limits for new passenger cars. The average emission level of a new car registered in the European Union in 2010 was 140.3 gCO2/km. Overall, car manufacturers must achieve a CO2 emission target of 130 g CO2/km by 2015 as an average value for the fleet of new cars registered in the EU. This target will be gradually phased in from 2012.

Specific emission targets (expressed as an amount of CO2 emissions per vehicle kilometre) are assigned to each car manufacturer (or pools of manufacturers) depending on the average mass of the fleet. A manufacturer (or pools of manufacturers) producing on average larger new cars has a higher target.

The new data published by the EEA today considers the distance to the 2012 and 2015 targets for the vehicles sold in 2010, showing which manufacturers must make further progress towards the targets. Fines for failing to meet the target (also known as ‘excess emissions premiums’) will be calculated on a progressive scale for each additional gram of CO2 above the target, multiplied by the number of cars sold.

“Today people use many forms of transport, but cars still represent a big part of everyday life,” EEA Executive Director Prof. Jacqueline McGlade said. “The data show that most car manufacturers have already met their individual 2012 targets. However, several others need to continue their current trend of year-on-year efficiency improvements.”

Key findings:

Thirty-two manufacturers, representing almost 80 % of 2010 registrations in the EU, already achieve their 2012 specific emissions targets two years in advance.

If car manufacturers make no further improvements in carbon efficiency of new cars between 2010 and 2015, non-compliant manufacturers could face fines which in total would add up to €10 billion.

Toyota Motor Europe is already compliant with its 2012 target, and also less than 1g CO2/km from the more stringent 2015 target. Automobiles Peugeot and Automobiles Citroën are also both close to reaching their 2015 target already. These manufacturers need to cut their emissions by less than 5g CO2/km to meet the target, a value corresponding to the average reduction of emissions from new passenger cars between 2009 and 2010 in Europe.

Among the larger manufacturers, Daimler AG, Skoda, Nissan International SA, General Motors Daewoo, Mazda Motor Corporation and Dacia will have to reduce the average emissions of their fleets by more than 14 g CO2/km over the next five years.

There are three manufacturers which produce only electric vehicles – so their emissions are listed as zero. Of the manufacturers producing some conventional-fuelled cars, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd had the lowest CO2 emission level overall (104 g CO2/Km). The average mass of its fleet is the lowest among all the car manufacturers registering vehicles in Europe. Among the larger manufacturers, Fiat Group Automobiles Spa had the lowest average CO2 emissions in 2010 (125 g CO2/km).

At the other end of the spectrum, some carmakers will need to halve emissions in the next four years in order to comply with the legislation.

The legislation provides for incentives to car manufacturers to reduce the CO2 emissions of their vehicles. For calculating average emissions, certain types of vehicles receive additional incentives, including super credits for low emitting vehicles (<50g CO2/km) and other credits for biofuels and certain efficiency measures. Manufacturers' progress will be monitored each year by the European Commission and the EEA in order to track the performance against individual targets.

More information:

]]>No publishercar industrycarbon dioxideCO2 emissionsEmissions Reductiontransportgreenhouse gases2011/12/20 11:00:00 GMT+1NewsMost car manufacturers on track to meet 2012 CO2 targetshttp://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/most-car-manufacturers-on-track
In 2011, average CO2 vehicle emissions for most carmakers were below target levels estimated for 2012. This was the situation for 47 carmakers, responsible for 95% of the new cars registered in the EU in 2011, according to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis.The findings come from the EEA report, CO2 emissions performance of car manufacturers in 2011.

The EU has a target for the average new passenger car to emit less than 130 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre (g CO2/km) by 2015. Within this overall target individual manufacturers have specific targets, calculated using the average mass of their fleet. This means that the vehicle fleet can stay diversified by allowing higher emissions from heavier cars than from lighter vehicles.

The targets will be gradually phased in to apply to an increasing proportion of cars - 65 % of the fleet is taken into account for 2012 targets, rising to 100 % in 2015. Manufacturers have a long-term target of 95 g CO2/km by 2020.

According to EU legislation, manufacturers can pool their fleets to receive a collective target, and smaller manufacturers can apply for special derogations. In 2011, 20 derogations were granted and all declared pools were in line with the estimated 2012 targets.

Next year the EEA will publish data showing whether the targets were met in 2012. If carmakers do not meet the targets, they will have to pay ‘excess emissions premiums’.

“Some carmakers have made deep efficiency improvements in recent years, showing what is possible,” EEA Executive Director Jacqueline McGlade said. “However, the transport sector needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68 % between 2010 and 2050. This objective cannot be met with technical improvements alone, it will also require a significant reduction in transport demand and a shift to greener transport modes.”

Key findings

All major car manufacturers reduced their emissions between 2010 and 2011. The average EU emissions of all cars registered in 2011 were 135.7 g CO2/km. Only 65% of the least emitting vehicles in each fleet is considered for compliance with the 2012 targets.

Total fleet average emissions among the major manufacturers ranged from the Fiat group’s 118 g CO2/km to the highest average level for Daimler, at 153 g CO2/km. In 2011 both manufacturers were, nonetheless, below their individual 2012 targets.

As in 2010, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd had the lowest average emissions level of the conventional fuelled cars (104 g CO2/km).

Of the 20 largest manufacturers in 2011 (see graph below), 18 were within 2012 targets, with the remaining two very close. Five of these manufacturers are also on track to meeting their 2015 target.

The EEA figures confirm findings from preliminary data published in June 2012, which showed that new cars in 2011 were on average 3.3 % more efficient than those registered in 2010. A growing proportion of diesel vehicles was partly behind the drop in emissions. Decreasing average engine and vehicle size has been a factor for some manufacturers.

While expected to contribute to future greenhouse gas emission reductions, alternative-fuelled vehicles made up a small proportion of new registrations in 2011 and did not significantly influence the overall trend.

Registrations of pure electric vehicles remained low with under 9 000 cars registered in the EU, although this was a dramatic increase from the 700 registrations in 2010. In 2011, the number of manufacturers selling only pure electric vehicles increased to four.

Background information

More information

]]>No publishercarbon dioxideroad transportgreenhouse gas emissionscarsvehicles2012/12/11 14:00:00 GMT+1NewsMonitoring CO2 emissions from passenger cars and vans in 2013http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/monitoring-co2-emissions-from-passenger
This report presents final data for both vehicle types, updating preliminary data published earlier in 2014.No publishervansco2greenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxidepassenger transportco2 emissionscarslight vehicles2014/10/30 13:00:00 GMT+1PublicationMonitoring CO2 emissions from new passenger cars in the EU: summary of data for 2011http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/monitoring-co2-emissions-from-new
For the second year, the EEA has collected Member
States' data on passenger car registrations, in
accordance with Regulation (EC) No 443/2009
(CO2 from cars). All Member States reported
information on CO2 emissions and the mass of cars,
together with other vehicle characteristics. This
data was used to evaluate the performance in 2011
of the new vehicle fleet, and its progress toward
meeting the CO2 emissions target of 130 gCO2/km
by 2015.No publishercar industrytransport emissionscarbon dioxideco2 emissionsfossil fuels2012/06/20 11:21:43 GMT+1PublicationMaking the switch, promoting energy efficient lighting in the EUhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/energy/multimedia/making-the-switch-promoting-energy-efficient-lighting-in-the-eu/view
With the nights drawing in, the question of lighting our homes and public places is once again on people's minds. This video shows how the European Union encourages schemes to switch to energy efficient lighting in private homes, at the workplace and on the streets.No publisherCFLenergy consumptioncarbon dioxideKyoto targetsgreen architecturelightingelectricity consumptionenergy efficient lightingcompact fluorescent lampsenergy efficient light bulbsstreet lampsstreetlightscarbon emissionsgreenhouse gas emissions2008/02/27 17:52:54 GMT+1FileIPCC report provides new evidence of climate changehttp://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/ipcc-report-provides-new-evidence
As scientists have increased their understanding of the climate system, they have been able to state with increasing certainty that the Earth’s climate has changed beyond historic variability, and that humans are the main cause. This is demonstrated in the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).The Working Group I contribution to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) looks at the most recent physical science of climate change. It confirms and strengthens the main findings of the Fourth Assessment Report from 2007 with new evidence, drawing on more extensive observations, greater understanding of climate processes and feedbacks, improved climate models, and a wider range of climate change projections.

Climate change is happening now and will continue over decades and centuries to come, the report states, finding that it is at least “95 % certain” that humans are the dominant cause. Action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases can limit the amount and pace of climate change, the report says. Without such mitigation action, global mean temperature would likely pass the internationally agreed limit of 2 oC above pre-industrial levels at some point this century, possibly before 2050.

Climate change in Europe

A recent report from the European Environment Agency found that climate change is already evident across Europe, affecting ecosystems as well as human activities. This implies that addressing climate change requires a two-handed approach, simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting societies to observed and projected changes.

The European Union’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2011 were 18.4 % below 1990 levels, according to the latest official data.

Europe is also reacting to experienced and projected climate change, with adaptation now an important policy area at the EU and national level. So far, 16 EEA member countries have developed national adaptation strategies. Adaptation plans have already led to concrete action in many countries as well as at the transnational, regional and local level. Such actions vary considerably, taking into account to address specific climate conditions as well as social and economic contexts.

Resources such as the European Climate Adaptation Portal, Climate-ADAPT, are important tools for sharing practical experience and other information relevant for those adapting to a warmer world.

The European Commission press release on the IPCC report is available here.

]]>No publisheripccgreenhouse gas emissionsintergovernmental panel on climate changecarbon dioxide2013/09/27 09:00:00 GMT+1NewsIndustrial air pollution cost Europe up to €169 billion in 2009, EEA revealshttp://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/industrial-air-pollution-cost-europe
Air pollution from the 10,000 largest polluting facilities in Europe cost citizens between € 102 and 169 billion in 2009. This was one of the findings of a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) which analysed the costs of harm to health and the environment caused by air pollution. Half of the total damage cost (between € 51 and 85 billion) was caused by just 191 facilities.The report, 'Revealing the costs of air pollution from industrial facilities in Europe', provides a list of the individual facilities that contribute the most harm.

“Our analysis reveals the high cost caused by pollution from power stations and other large industrial plants,” Professor Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director, said.

“The estimated costs are calculated using the emissions reported by the facilities themselves. By using existing tools employed by policy-makers to estimate harm to health and the environment, we revealed some of the hidden costs of pollution. We cannot afford to ignore these issues”, added Professor McGlade.

The industrial facilities covered by the analysis include large power plants, refineries, manufacturing combustion and industrial processes, waste and certain agricultural activities. Emissions from power plants contributed the largest share of the damage costs (estimated at €66–112 billion). Other significant contributions to the overall damage costs came from production processes (€23–28 billion) and manufacturing combustion (€8–21 billion). Sectors excluded from the EEA analysis include transport, households and most agricultural activities – if these were included the cost of pollution would be even higher.

Key findings

Air pollution by the facilities covered by EEA’s analysis cost every European citizen approximately € 200-330 on average in 2009.

Countries such as Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, France and Italy, where a high number of large facilities are located, contribute the most to the total damage costs. However, when damage costs are weighted in an attempt to reflect the productivity of national economies, the ordering of countries changes significantly. The emissions from countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Poland and the Czech Republic are then relatively more important with regard to the damage costs.

A small number of individual facilities cause the majority of damage costs. Three quarters of the total damage costs were caused by the emissions from just 622 industrial facilities – 6 % of the total number. The facilities with emissions associated with a high damage cost are in most cases some of the largest facilities in Europe which release the greatest amount of pollutants.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions contribute the most to the overall damage costs, approximately €63 billion in 2009. Air pollutants, which contribute to acid rain and can cause respiratory problems - sulphur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) - were found to cause €38-105 billion of damage a year.

Figure 1. Locations of the 191 E-PRTR facilities that contributed 50 % of the total damage costs estimated in 2009

Calculating economic costs from emissions

The report uses publicly-available data from the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR). The analysis builds on existing policy tools and methods, such as the methods developed under the EU’s Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) programme. Based on the different methodologies, it calculates a range of estimated damage costs arising from air pollutant releases reported by nearly 10 000 individual facilities to the E‑PRTR.

Certain aspects of harm to health and the environment are excluded from the scope of this study, such as the health and safety aspects associated with occupational exposure to air pollutants. For regional air pollutants for example, the model framework underpinning the assessment should be extended in the future to include aspects such as a valuation of ecological impacts and acid damage to culturally significant buildings and monuments. The recognised benefits of industrial facilities, including manufacturing products, employment and tax revenues, are not addressed in the report.

Context/Note to editor

It is important to note that the report does not assess whether the emissions from industrial facilities included in the E-PRTR are consistent with the legal permitting conditions for the operation of these plants.

The EEA has recently released a number of other publications addressing various aspects of air pollution in Europe. These include:

]]>No publisherco2pm10air pollutioncarbon dioxideenergyenergy productionparticulate matterso2noxnh3climate changee-prtrhealthammoniasulphur dioxidenitrogen oxidespower plants2011/11/22 10:26:52 GMT+1Press ReleaseHow much bioenergy can Europe produce without harming the environment?http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/eea_report_2006_7
The purpose of this report is to assess how much
biomass could technically be available for energy
production without increasing pressures on the
environment. As such, it develops a number of
environmental criteria for bioenergy production,
which are then used as assumptions for modelling
the primary potential. These criteria were developed
on a European scale. Complementary assessments
at more regional and local scale are recommended
as a follow-up of this work.No publisherforestry bioenergy potentialEOFcarbon dioxideCAPbiomassHNVbioenergy cropsBiomass Action Planhigh nature valuesecond generation biofuelsFAMEbioenergyforest stewardship councilenvironmentally-oriented farmingfatty acid methyl etheragriculture bioenergy potentialmunicipal wasteCO2waste bioenergy potentialenvironmentally-compatible bioenergydry matterenvironmental pressuresbiofuels2006/06/08 08:00:00 GMT+1PublicationHouseholds and industry responsible for half of EU greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/households-and-industry-responsible-for
Households and industry in the EU each cause approximately a quarter of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The two sectors were largely responsible for the emissions increase in 2010, together leading to an additional 90 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to 2009.The report considers the 40 % of greenhouse emissions originating from energy industries such as heating plants, power stations and refineries. These emissions are then reallocated to the ‘end-users’ of the energy. The main objective is to help improve the understanding of the demand leading to greenhouse gas emissions.

Between 2009 and 2010 fossil fuel combustion was responsible for an increase of over 100 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in the EU, partly due to an economic rebound in many EU Member States. This is reflected in the new EEA analysis. In 2010, approximately 50% of the net increase in energy-related emissions was driven by higher industrial activity, particularly in the iron and steel sector.

Another reason for the emissions increase in 2010 was a colder winter, resulting in an increase in a demand for heating. The residential sector represented almost 40% of the net increase in energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, households used more electricity in 2010 compared to 2009, leading to higher emissions.

Additional findings

In the commercial and residential sectors, indirect emissions are higher than the direct combustion emissions attributed to these sectors. This is largely because of electricity supplied by thermal power stations and district heating (from centralised heating plants) in some areas.

In transport, most emissions are emitted directly from the vehicle exhaust pipe, so there is a relatively small change when the indirect emissions are taken into account. Beside the emissions from petroleum refining, other indirect emissions in the transport sector come from power plants which generate electricity used by electric trains.

‘Other sectors’ include the indirect emissions from imports and exports of energy between countries, for example in the electricity trade. In some EU Member States there is a larger effect than in others, highlighting the relative importance of trade in energy for these countries. These effects can also vary significantly from year to year.

The 2012 report includes for the first time information on indirect emissions of two air pollutants, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx) distributed to the end-user sectors. It also provides new diagrams for 27 Member States, Norway and Switzerland.

Notes for editors

The results in the EEA report are based on the official 2012 greenhouse gas inventory submissions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and energy balance data reported to Eurostat.

Every year in May the EEA publishes the EU greenhouse gas emissions inventory for the calendar year two years prior to the publication date, or ‘year x-2’. This follows the final submission of data to the UNFCCC. In early autumn the EEA publishes the proxy greenhouse gas inventory for year x-1. This report gives an early analysis of emissions trends and allows an up-to-date assessment of actual progress towards emission targets. The end-user report is a more recent addition to the EEA’s regular analysis of greenhouse gas trends. This also uses data from year x-2 as the method is based on the official inventory and energy balances, which are only available for year x-2.

]]>No publisherindustrycarbon dioxidegreenhouse gas emissions2012/12/20 11:55:00 GMT+1NewsHigher EU greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 due to economic recovery and cold winterhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/higher-eu-greenhouse-gas-emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2010, as a result of both economic recovery in many countries after the 2009 recession and a colder winter. Nonetheless, emissions growth was somewhat contained by continued strong growth in renewable energy sources. These figures from the greenhouse gas inventory published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today confirm earlier EEA estimates.Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU-27) increased by 2.4 % (or 111 million tonnes CO2 equivalent) between 2009 and 2010. This can be partially explained by the fact that there was a sharp 7.3% (or -365 million tonnes) decrease of emissions between 2008 and 2009.

The EU remains fully on track to meet its Kyoto target. The long-term reduction trend continued, since EU-27 greenhouse gas emissions still remained 15.4 % below 1990 levels in 2010. Emissions in the 15 Member States with a common commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (EU-15) in 2010 were 11 % below the Kyoto Protocol base year. These consolidated figures confirm earlier estimates for the EU, published by the EEA in October 2011.

“Emissions increased in 2010. This rebound effect was expected as most of Europe came out of recession,” EEA Executive Director Jacqueline McGlade said. “However, the increase could have been even higher without the fast expansion of renewable energy generation in the EU.”

Why were greenhouse gas emissions higher?

Higher emissions were partly due to the economic recovery (GDP grew by 2 % in the EU in 2010), as many European countries emerged from the 2009 recession. Higher final energy demand (+3.7 % in 2010) also contributed to the emissions growth. Moreover, the winter in 2010 was colder than in the previous year, leading to higher heating demand.

However, GHG emissions growth was contained by several factors. As in previous years the growth in the use of renewable energy sources continued in 2010 with a 12.7% increase of total consumption of energy from renewable sources. In addition, gas prices fell markedly in 2010 and EU total consumption of gas used for energy purposes went up by 7.4%. The higher share of gas led to an improved carbon intensity of fossil fuel consumption in many Member States.

Other findings

Emissions were higher in most of the key sectors in 2010, particularly those sectors relying on fossil-fuel combustion. Sectors with the highest GHG emissions growth included: CO2 emissions from residential and commercial sectors (caused by a higher heating demand due to a colder winter); CO2 emissions from manufacturing industries and construction (including iron and steel process emissions); and CO2 emissions from public heat and electricity production.

Road transport emissions continued to fall in 2010, despite more demand for freight transport.

Higher industrial activity during 2010, after the economic contraction in 2009, appears to have led to higher final energy demand and related emissions in those sectors covered by the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) compared to other sectors.

Among the greenhouse gases reported to the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC), carbon dioxide (CO2) accounted for the largest increase in emissions in 2010. The gas represented 82 % of total EU GHG emissions.

Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom accounted for 56% of the EU’s total net increase in GHG emissions. The relative growth in emissions was highest in Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Latvia. Spain, Greece and Portugal again reported lower GHG emissions in 2010.

MEMBER STATE

1990

Kyoto Protocolbase year (a)

2010

2009–2010

Change 2009–2010

Change 1990-2010

Change base year–2010

Targets 2008–12 under Kyoto Protocol and "EU burden sharing"

(million tonnes)

(million tonnes)

(million tonnes)

(million tonnes)

(%)

(%)

(%)

(%)

Austria

78.2

79.0

84.6

4.9

6.1%

8.2%

7.0%

-13.0%

Belgium

143.3

145.7

132.5

7.3

5.8%

-7.6%

-9.1%

-7.5%

Denmark

68.6

69.3

61.1

0.4

0.6%

-11.0%

-11.9%

-21.0%

Finland

70.4

71.0

74.6

8.4

12.8%

6.0%

5.0%

0.0%

France

559.0

563.9

522.4

7.8

1.5%

-6.6%

-7.4%

0.0%

Germany

1246.1

1232.4

936.5

24.7

2.7%

-24.8%

-24.0%

-21.0%

Greece

105.0

107.0

118.3

-6.4

-5.1%

12.6%

10.6%

25.0%

Ireland

55.2

55.6

61.3

-0.4

-0.7%

11.2%

10.3%

13.0%

Italy

519.2

516.9

501.3

9.8

2.0%

-3.5%

-3.0%

-6.5%

Luxembourg

12.8

13.2

12.1

0.56

4.9%

-5.9%

-8.3%

-28.0%

Netherlands

212.0

213.0

210.1

11.1

5.6%

-0.9%

-1.4%

-6.0%

Portugal

60.1

60.1

70.6

-3.8

-5.1%

17.5%

17.4%

27.0%

Spain

282.8

289.8

355.9

-10.4

-2.8%

25.8%

22.8%

15.0%

Sweden

72.8

72.2

66.2

6.6

11.0%

-9.0%

-8.2%

4.0%

United Kingdom

763.9

776.3

590.2

17.9

3.1%

-22.7%

-24.0%

-12.5%

EU-15

4249.3

4265.5

3797.6

78.5

2.1%

-10.6%

-11.0%

-8.0%

Bulgaria

114.3

132.6

61.4

2.5

4.3%

-46.3%

-53.7%

-8.0%

Cyprus

6.5

Notapplicable

10.8

-0.3

-2.4%

67.6%

Notapplicable

Notapplicable

Czech Republic

195.8

194.2

139.2

4.4

3.3%

-28.9%

-28.4%

-8.0%

Estonia

40.9

42.6

20.5

4.1

25.2%

-49.8%

-51.9%

-8.0%

Hungary

97.3

115.4

67.7

0.8

1.2%

-30.4%

-41.4%

-6.0%

Latvia

26.6

25.9

12.1

1.1

10.2%

-54.5%

-53.4%

-8.0%

Lithuania

49.4

49.4

20.8

0.9

4.3%

-57.9%

-57.9%

-8.0%

Malta

2.0

Notapplicable

3.0

0.02

0.6%

49.1%

Notapplicable

Notapplicable

Poland

457.4

563.4

400.9

19.1

5.0%

-12.4%

-28.9%

-6.0%

Romania

253.3

278.2

121.4

-2.0

-1.6%

-52.1%

-56.4%

-8.0%

Slovakia

71.8

72.1

46.0

1.8

4.1%

-35.9%

-36.2%

-8.0%

Slovenia

18.5

20.4

19.5

0.1

0.3%

5.7%

-4.1%

-8.0%

EU-27

5583.1

Notapplicable

4720.9

111.0

2.4%

-15.4%

Notapplicable

Notapplicable

*Following the UNFCCC reviews of Member States' 'initial reports' during 2007 and 2008 and pursuant to Article 3, paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Kyoto Protocol, the base-year emissions for the EU-15 have been fixed at 4 265.5 Mt CO2-equivalents.

Data visualisation

Early indications of 2011 figures

The most recent data available for the EU GHG inventory is for 2010. Verified 2011 emissions from the EU ETS point to a 2 % emissions decrease over the course of the year. In 2011 the EU ETS covered more than 12,000 power plants and manufacturing installations in the EU-27, Norway and Liechtenstein.

About the report

The report is the annual submission of the greenhouse gas inventory of the European Union to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and under the Kyoto Protocol. It presents greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2010 for the EU-27, the EU-15, individual Member States and by economic sector. It covers emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.

The official EU submission to the UNFCCC is the result of a compilation made by the EEA. In autumn the EEA will publish early estimates for the 2011 emissions in the EU, and also a Trends and Projections report, looking ahead to assess progress against emissions targets.

]]>No publishercarbon dioxideclimate change mitigationenergy policygreenhouse gas emissions2012/05/25 10:25:34 GMT+1Press ReleaseGreenhouse gases: 2011 emissions lower than previously estimated http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/greenhouse-gases-2011-emissions-lower
Greenhouse gases fell by 3.3 % in the EU in 2011, leading to the lowest level of emissions in reports going back to 1990. The decrease in 2011 was also the third largest over this period, according to official data compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and reported by the EU to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The European Union’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2011 were 18.4 % below 1990 levels, according to the EU greenhouse gas inventory. When international aviation is included, in line with the climate and energy package, greenhouse gas emissions fell 17 % in the EU since 1990.

Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director, said: “The greenhouse gas emissions cut in 2011 is good news, however, it was largely due to a warmer winter. Nonetheless, the EU is making clear progress towards its emission targets.”

She continued: “There was an increase in consumption of more carbon-intensive fuels such as coal, while hydroelectricity production and gas consumption decreased. If Europe is to achieve the transition towards a low-carbon society, it will need sustained investment in technology and innovation.”

Why were greenhouse gas emissions lower?

The 2011 emissions decrease was largely due to a milder winter in 2011 compared to 2010, which led to a lower demand for heating. The officially reported 2011 emissions were 3.3 % lower than the previous year, while the EU experienced a 1.6 % growth in GDP.

The reduction in emissions is larger than EEA’s estimates published last year, because the extent of the reduced heating demand only became apparent when complete and final energy data became available. The highest emissions reductions were from homes and commerce.

Other findings

Almost two thirds of the emissions reduction in 2011 came from the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The largest increases in the absolute volume of emissions were in Romania, Bulgaria and Spain.

Fossil fuel consumption decreased by 5 % in the EU. However, the average carbon intensity of the fossil fuels used increased, with solid fuel consumption, such as hard coal and lignite, rising by almost 2 % between 2010 and 2011. Liquid fuel consumption decreased by 4 % and natural gas consumption fell by almost 11 %. Biomass combustion increased by less than 1% in EU-27 in 2011.

Consumption of energy from renewable sources had the second largest decline of the last 21 years in percentage terms, mainly due to significantly lower hydroelectricity production. Wind and solar, however, continued increasing strongly in 2011.

Nuclear power’s contribution to electricity also declined in the EU in 2011 compared to 2010, mainly due to closure of power plants in Germany, according to Eurostat energy data.

Road transport emissions continued to decline in 2011 for the fourth consecutive year. In contrast, emissions from international aviation and shipping increased in 2011.

Early indications of 2012 figures

Official total EU greenhouse gas emissions inventory data submitted to the UNFCCC are only available up to 2011. However, there other EU emission data sets which provide an increasingly complete picture of emission changes in 2012:

Verified greenhouse gas emissions in sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS, covering approximately 40 % of total EU greenhouse gas emissions) fell by 2% between 2011 and 2012;

Early estimates published today by Eurostat and based on monthly energy statistics of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion (covering approximately 80% of EU total greenhouse gas emissions) also point to a 2.1 % decrease between 2011 and 2012;

In early autumn, the EEA will publish the Approximated EU Greenhouse Gas Inventory, covering total EU emissions for 2012. This report will cover emissions of all gases from all major sectors reported under the UNFCCC. The report will be used by the EU to assess current progress towards emission targets;

The official EU greenhouse gas inventory for 2012 will only become available in late May 2014 and will be officially submitted to the UNFCCC by the EU. As with this year, it will be the result of a compilation made by the EEA on behalf of the European Commission, in close collaboration with the EU Member States, the EEA’s European Topic Centre on Air Pollution and Climate Change Mitigation (ETC/ACM), the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Eurostat and Directorate-General Climate Action (DG CLIMA).

]]>No publisherghg inventoryrenewable energyglobal warmingcoalemissionscarbon dioxideclimate changecarbon emissions2013/05/28 15:01:19 GMT+1Press ReleaseGlobal Atmospheric Concentrations of Carbon Dioxide Over Timehttp://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/global-atmospheric-concentrations-of-carbon
Greenhouse gases from human activities are the most significant driver of observed climate change since the mid-20 th century. 1 The indicators in this chapter characterize emissions of the major greenhouse gases resulting from human activities, the concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere, and how emissions and concentrations have changed over time. When comparing emissions of different gases, these indicators use a concept called “global warming potential” to convert amounts of other gases into carbon dioxide equivalents. No publisher2016/03/02 10:06:00 GMT+1External Data ReferenceEuropean Union's total greenhouse emissions down 2.5 % in 2011 http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/european-union2019s-total-greenhouse-emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from the European Union (EU) fell by 2.5 %, despite higher coal consumption and a growing gross domestic product (GDP), according to new estimates from the European Environment Agency (EEA).Emissions fell even further in the 15 Member States with a common commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (EU-15), going down by 3.5 % between 2010 and 2011. Based on these EEA estimates, EU 2011 emissions stand approximately 17.5 % below the 1990 level. The EU-15 stands 14.1 % below the base-year level under the Kyoto Protocol.

The main reasons for the decrease in emissions were a milder winter in most parts of the EU, which resulted in lower heating demand from households, and reduced natural gas consumption. Renewable energy consumption also continued to increase in 2011, which contributed to the observed decrease in emissions.

The economic sectors not covered by the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) reduced emissions by approximately 3.1 %. The sectors contributing most to lower emissions in the European Union in 2011 were households and the service sector. The transport sector also contributed by reducing emissions for the fourth consecutive year. Emissions under the EU ETS were cut by 1.8 % in 2011.

The EEA's early greenhouse gas emission estimates

The EEA estimates of EU's total 2011 greenhouse gas emissions are based on publicly available verified EU-ETS emissions, and other national and European sources, available as of mid-July 2012.

The EEA estimates exclude data for carbon sinks, international aviation and shipping as well as emission reductions achieved through the Kyoto Protocol's flexible mechanisms. These data will be made available with EEA's Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2011, to be published in June 2013.

The uncertainty in the current emissions estimates is 2.5 % (+/-0.3 percentage points) for EU-27, and -3.5 % (+/-0.64 percentage points) for the EU 15.

What next?

Details of EEA and Member State emission estimates for 2011 will be published in an EEA Technical Report on the approximated EU greenhouse gas inventory in October 2012.

The 2011 estimates will feed into the EEA report on greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe. The report will track progress towards the European Union's greenhouse gas mitigation targets under the Kyoto Protocol and up to 2020.

The official 2011 greenhouse gas emissions for the EU will be available by mid-2013, published as the 'EU Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990–2011 and Inventory Report 2013', compiled and quality-checked by the EEA. This EEA report will be subsequently submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by the European Commission on behalf of the European Union.

More information

]]>No publishercarbon dioxidefossil fuelsgreenhouse gases2012/09/06 15:35:09 GMT+1NewsEU reports lowest greenhouse gas emissions on record http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/greenhouse-gas-inventory-report-press-release
The European Union's greenhouse gas emissions continued to fall in 2012, as a 1.3 % decrease cut emissions to 19.2 % below 1990 levels, according to official data from the European Environment Agency (EEA). This puts the EU within reach of its 20 % reduction target, with eight years to go until the 2020 deadline. The findings come from final EU greenhouse gas emissions for 2012, reported to the United Nations. Emissions have decreased by 1 082 Mt in the EU since 1990, which is more than the combined 2012 emissions of Italy and the United Kingdom. As a result, the EU was already very close to reaching its 2020 Climate and Energy Package target through domestic measures alone.

The first 15 EU Member States are also joint signatories to the Kyoto Protocol, with a collective target of 8 % average reduction over the period 2008-2012. This group of countries have reduced emission by an average of 11.8 % during 2008-2012 compared to base year without counting 'sinks' or credits from Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms. The emission reduction from 2008 to 2012 in the EU15 was in absolute terms greater than Spain's total emissions in 2012.

Why did emissions fall in the EU in 2012?

Emissions fell by 1.3 % between 2011 and 2012, largely due to reductions in transport and industry and a growing proportion of energy from renewable sources.

Italy alone accounted for 45 % of the total EU net reduction in emissions in 2012, largely due to lower emissions from transport and industry. The second largest reduction, in Poland, was mainly due to a substantial decrease in solid fuel consumption. In contrast to their overall decreasing emission trend since 1990, the United Kingdom and Germany increased emissions in 2012 because of increased use of solid fuels.

Greenhouse gas emissions and changes in GDP

The EEA technical analysis of emission trends shows that changes in GDP, for example growth or recession, can explain up to one third of the change in total greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. During periods experiencing recession (including in the 2008-2012 period), changes in GDP can explain less than 50 % of observed emission reductions for the EU as a whole. Other factors and policies have played at least as important a role in reducing emissions, including the sustained and strong growth in renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency.

Although GDP is a significant factor behind changes in greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis, GDP and greenhouse gas emissions show an absolute 'decoupling' when compared to 1990, according to the EEA analysis. While GDP has increased 45 % since 1990, emissions have fallen 19 %, halving EU's 'emission intensity', the volume of emissions generated for each euro of GDP. In addition, Member States' emission intensities have been converging. Per capita greenhouse gas emissions in the EU have decreased by almost a quarter since 1990, from 12 to nine tonnes.

Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said: "The EU has demonstrated that there is no conflict between a growing economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Policies have been at the heart of this success. We need to go even further, but this will depend on countries implementing policies which already map a path towards a low carbon, energy secure society."

The downward emission trajectory seems to have continued in 2013, according to emissions data from EU Emissions Trading System and early estimates based on energy statistics from Eurostat. In the autumn the EEA and DG CLIMA will publish official estimates for total EU greenhouse gas emissions for 2013.

]]>No publisherco2decouplingrenewable energyglobal warmingcarbon dioxideclimate changeeu ghg inventoryeconomy2014/05/27 11:39:31 GMT+1Press ReleaseEU greenhouse gases in 2011: more countries on track to meet Kyoto targets, emissions fall 2.5 %http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/eu-greenhouse-gases-in-2011.5
Emissions of greenhouse gases in the European Union (EU) fell on average by 2.5 % from 2010 to 2011, although several countries increased emissions. Almost all European countries are individually on track towards their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol compared to last year, according to two reports published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA).The report ‘Approximated EU greenhouse gas inventory: early estimates for 2011’ gives early estimates of greenhouse gas emissions in the previous year and provides a key input to the report on ‘Greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe 2012’, which assesses progress against the EU’s commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.

“The European Union as a whole will over-deliver on its Kyoto target”, Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director said. “In two months’ time we will be at the end of the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. Considerable progress has been made since 1997 but all Member States need to deliver on their plans. For those EU Member States who have not achieved their target through domestic emission reductions, the Kyoto Protocol’s flexible mechanisms remain available until 2015.”

Emissions reductions in 2011

According to EEA’s estimates, the largest relative emissions decreases from 2010 to 2011 were registered in countries with small to medium shares of total EU greenhouse gas emissions: 13 % in Cyprus, followed by 8 % in Belgium, Finland and Denmark. The United Kingdom made the biggest emission cuts in absolute terms, with a reduction of 36 million tonnes CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2 eq.) in 2011, or 6 %. This was followed by France (24 Mt CO2 eq., 5 %) and Germany (17 Mt CO2 eq., 2 %).

Nine EU Member States increased emissions between 2010 and 2011. Bulgaria increased emissions by 11 %, while Lithuania increased by 3 % and Romanian emissions rose by 2 %. However, these countries have made some of the deepest cuts in emissions overall since 1990.

Although economic factors played a part in certain countries, it is notable that the EU economy overall grew by 1.5% while emissions fell by 2.5%. Most of the countries registering the deepest cuts in emissions had positive growth in 2011.

A warm winter in most countries was a key factor in cutting emissions in 2011, as the demand for fossil fuels for heating was lower than in previous years. The residential and commercial sector – largely outside the scope of the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) – contributed most to lower emissions in the European Union.

These EEA figures will be further consolidated by mid-2013 in the European Union’s greenhouse gas inventory. The inventory will allow for a detailed analysis of emission trends in EU Member States.

European countries closing in on Kyoto targets

Emissions outside the EU ETS are important, because changes in these non-trading sectors affect whether countries will meet their targets. Overall emissions from the EU economic sectors not covered by the EU ETS were reduced by approximately 3.0 %, whereas emissions under the EU ETS were cut by 1.8% in 2011. In the 15 Member States with a common commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (EU-15), greenhouse gas emissions from the non-trading sectors decreased rapidly by 3.8% between 2010 and 2011. This emission reduction, in combination with foreseen contributions from carbon sinks and the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms, confirms that the EU-15 is on track towards over-delivering on its 8 % reduction Kyoto target. However, for this target to be met all countries will also need to meet individual goals.

With emission caps already set for the economic sectors under the EU ETS, the emission reductions of economic sectors outside the EU ETS in 2012 together with the contributions by carbon sinks will ultimately determine how many Kyoto credits Member States will need to acquire to reach their individual targets by early 2015 at the latest. One of the EEA reports shows that some Member States either still need to develop adequate plans on such acquisitions (Italy) or deliver on existing plans (in particular Austria, Belgium, Portugal and Spain).

Progress towards 2020 targets

The EU has adopted legislation to reduce greenhouse gases by 20 % between 1990 and 2020. The latest figures show emissions in the EU have fallen by 16.5 % and the Union is well on track to meeting this objective. If international aviation is excluded, as is the case with Kyoto Protocol commitments, emissions in the EU have fallen by 17.5% since 1990.

Projections from Member States suggest that EU emissions will continue to fall to 19 % below 1990 levels in 2020, with current policies and measures in place. Less than half of the EU Member States project that their emission levels will fall below their individual 2020 target with only current domestic measures. Although flexibility options allowed under the Effort Sharing Decision could allow Member States to stay on their target paths, most Member States need to step up their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accelerating the implementation of those additional policies and measures they have already planned.

]]>No publisherGHG emissionsCO2climate changecarbon dioxideKyoto Protocolinventoriesemissions trading scheme2012/10/17 15:38:21 GMT+1Press ReleaseEU greenhouse gas emissions at lowest level since 1990http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/eu-greenhouse-gas-emissions-at
European Union (EU) greenhouse gas emissions continued to decrease in 2014, with a 4.1% reduction in emissions to 24.4% below 1990 levels, according to the EU’s annual inventory published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The figures come from the EU annual greenhouse gas inventory submitted to the United Nations. In absolute terms, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 1383 million tonnes (Mt) in the EU since 1990, reaching 4282 Mt of CO2 equivalents in 2014.

Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said: "It is positive that Europe has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially since 1990. It is an important step towards reaching our 2030 and 2050 climate targets. To accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to further boost our investments in technology and innovation aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels."

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the 24-year period was due to a variety of factors, including the growing share in the use of renewables, the use of less carbon intensive fuels and improvements in energy efficiency, as well as to structural changes in the economy and the economic recession. Demand for energy to heat households has also been lower, as Europe on average has experienced milder winters since 1990, which has also helped reduce emissions according to an analysis linked to the inventory.

Other findings

The overall reduction of 24.4% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 23% including international aviation, was accompanied by a 47% increase in gross domestic product (GDP).

GHG emissions decreased in the majority of sectors between 1990 and 2014. Emission reductions were largest for manufacturing industries and construction (-372 Mt), electricity and heat production (-346 Mt), and residential combustion (-140 Mt).

Not all sectors were able to reduce emissions. Road transport, responsible for the largest increase in CO2 emissions, grew by 124 Mt from 1990-2014, and 7 Mt from 2013-14.

Emissions from international transport (aviation and shipping), which are not included in national totals reported to UNFCCC, also increased substantially between 1990 and 2014 (93 Mt).

Emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which is a group of GHG gases used in the production of cooling devices such as air conditioning systems and refrigerators, also increased (99 Mt).

EU GHG emissions were cut by 185 Mt between 2013 and 2014 (4.1%). The reduction in emissions was mainly due to lower heat demand by households due to the very warm winter in Europe. The increase in non-combustible renewables, particularly from wind and solar power also contributed to lower emissions in 2014.

About the report

The European Union greenhouse gas inventory is an annual report compiled by the EEA covering emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases from 1990 to two years before the current year. It is the official submission of the EU to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also constitutes the official submission of the EU plus Iceland under the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. In autumn, the EEA will publish early estimates for the 2015 emissions in the EU, and also a trends and projections report, looking ahead to assess progress against emissions targets.

]]>No publishergreenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxideroad transportshippingclimate change mitigationgreenhouse gas (ghg)renewable energygreenhouse gas inventoryhfcfossil fuelsaviationflourinated greenhouse gases2016/06/21 10:50:00 GMT+1NewsEnvironment and our healthhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/human/multimedia/environment-and-our-health
No publisherdieselcarbon monoxideorganophosphatemercuryindoor pollutionpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonssunlightparticulate matterhuman healthhealthcarbon dioxidedust mitespentachlorophenolelectromagnetic fieldvolatile organic compoundsDDTSO2UV rayslow level ozoneCO2tobaccosulfur dioxideradonemissionschemicalsradiationspetrol emissionsanimalspesticidesfungicides2006/02/02 00:00:00 GMT+1Animation (swf)Energy and environment: democratisation of powerhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/energy/multimedia/energy-environment-democratisation-of-power-1/view
European Parliament - Joint Parliamentary Meeting on "Energy and Sustainable Development", presentation by Prof. Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director, European Environment Agency. Strasbourg, November 20 2008.No publisherIPCCelectricity consumptionoilgreen economylow-carbon economydecouplingnaturerenewable energyclimate changenon-renewable energyglobal warmingcarbon dioxidefinancial crisisAarhus conventiongreen technologyresiliencemethanegreenhouse gasesfossil fuelswindmillsEU policy2008/11/24 17:27:39 GMT+1FileEmissions trading mindstretcherhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/climate/multimedia/emissions-trading-mindstretcher
No publisherETScarbon dioxideCO2 emissionsEU ETSemissions trading schemegreenhouse gas emissions2006/02/02 00:00:00 GMT+1Animation (swf)Emissions trading - putting a price on carbonhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/climate/multimedia/emissions-trading-putting-a-price-on-carbon/view
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a world first and a major weapon in Europe's fight against climate change. The innovative system has turned carbon dioxide emissions into a tradeable commodity. They can now be bought and sold like any other of the thousands of products traded on world markets today.
The scheme works by placing a limit or a 'cap' on the amount of carbon dioxide participating installations - currently around 10,500 across the European Union - can emit every year. If an installation emits more than its allowance, it must either pay a very hefty fine or buy surplus allowances from companies that have managed to stay below their limit. The system ensures that overall CO2 emissions from the plants covered are cut in the most cost effective way.No publisherCO2 emissionscarbon dioxideglobal warmingemission unitclimate changeEU ETSgreenhouse gas emissionsemissions trading schemeCO2 credits2008/04/22 10:35:00 GMT+1File